Celebrations of National Turkmen Horse Holiday took part in Ahalteke Equestrian Complex with the participation of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.It included the races of senior master jockeys, award ceremony of the winners of international ahalteke horse beauty contest and thematic contest among art professions.
Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, leaders of the Mejlis, ministries and departments of the country, hyakims of the velayats and Ashgabat, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, members of International Ahalteke Equestrian Association, numerous foreign guests and mass media representatives arrived in the morning in Ahalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan.
Participants of the celebration from all over the country including famous horse breeders who achieved great success in the affair that they dedicated all their life, true professionals of other spheres by some means related to the wonderful equestrian world have also gathered in the complex.
Ahalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan located in the most beautiful place of Kopetdag foothills met numerous guests in parade outfit.This is the equestrian centre with excellent conditions for breeding and training of elite horses.
Vehicle of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived in Ahalteke Equestrian Complex.Greeting the participants, the President of Turkmenistan accompanied by Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, the President of the Olympic Council of Asia, who arrived in our country for participation in the events in honour of Turkmen horse, went to the territory of the complex decorated with celebration symbols.
The leader of the national was met by bright performance of popular artists, folk and dance bands.On behalf of the horse breeders of the country, the Head of the State was asked to accept a gift of selected ahalteke horses as a symbol of gratitude for active attention to their work as well as on occasion of remarkable event.
The horses are taken out to the ground one after another from all the velayats and the capital.On behalf of military and law enforcement agencies, another horse was presented to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Another present is from all horse breeders of the country.Beautiful stallion was brought out and introduced at the demonstration ground.The papers were handed over in ceremonial atmosphere.
It was followed by the chest from where they took out national dress and alabay puppy, which is also the symbol of Turkmen nation.Alabay and ahalteke horse are the images that were official symbols of 2017 Asian Games, they are integral part of national culture, live values of the heritage of Turkmen people, its devoted companions and friends throughout centuries-old history from the time primordial until our days.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed sincere gratitude for the presents.He was also presented with the set of celebration riding outfit.During the event, the Head of the State took photos for the memory with the horse breeders representing the regions and the capital.
Addressing the participants, Turkmen leader said it was decided to name current celebrations as National Turkmen Horse Holiday at the last session of the Cabinet of Ministers.In this regard, the Head of the State cordially congratulated everyone with the events that gained new status.
Having expressed the gratitude to the elders of the velayats, all horse breeders who make big contribution to continuation of the history of sky horses taking part in the celebration, the President of Turkmenistan added that according to the horse breeders Ak Yol the horse that was presented to him can dance kushtdepdy and suggested is it true or not.
The Head of the State demonstrated outstanding skill of horse riding.Having felt experienced rider, the steed balked almost vertically as if showing itself in all the height as well as all its wildness, which can be controlled only by skilful rider.
It is hard to find more sensitive breed than ahalteke horse in communication with people.Having proud temper, they are very obedient if one treats them sincerely with love and are easy to be trained.
That is why ahalteke horses are outstanding in equestrian sport, perform in the circus and star in the movies.Appearance of alabay puppy at the celebration in Ahalteke Equestrian Complex is a good sign that this brave dog, the symbol of 2018 according to Chinese Calendar, will have the swiftness of the horse, which, having become the symbol of our successes, fulfilment of dreams, commitment and will to win continues its proud advancement this year.
Having ridden the race track, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov tried the stallion in different paces by trotting, in gaits, gallop and carrier.Immediately responding to the commands of the jockey, the horse perfectly performed the elements of dressage giving opportunity to the spectators to enjoy its grace, smoothness and perfectness of the movements.
It looked very effectively when it performed some kind of dance under the melody of Turkmen favourite kushtdepdy.This moment was enjoyed and appreciated by admired public that proud horse repeated it several times responding to the reaction of the spectators and artistically stomping with its front leg.
Even complicated tricks were made by Ak Yol easily as if playing what speaks of its excellent training and understanding of the jockey.Under loud applauses the Head of the State came off the horse and went to the stands.
At the stands, the OCA President, Sheikh Al Sabah expressed sincere delight of what he has seen to Turkmen leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and shared his impression of the celebration.
After, the races of master jockey took place.It was hard to tell who would win the race until the very end of captivating spectacle of the competitions of experienced master the opponents were almost equal.
The competitions allowed again ensuring the stamina, dash and swiftness of Turkmen horses and demonstrated the skills of the jockeys to calculate physical state of the horse, to demonstrate the achievements of national coaches.
It is hard work to bring up real racer.This science of our skilful ancestors is mastered with interest by growing generation.From the very beginning, young horse riders are taught to understand the horse, find common language to be his true friend.
Only after that they are trained how to ride.Seven jockeys on 4-year old horses and elder participated in 1200 m races.Bay stallion Armangala from Ahalteke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan was the first at the finish line.
It was ridden by Nurmuhammet Hojanepesov who became the winner and received the award on behalf of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.After, the master of ceremony announced the final round of International Ahalteke Horse Beauty Contest.
Such contest became common in rich programme of National Turkmen Horse Holiday and every time, this unprecedented show surprises again the horse connoisseurs and amateurs.So it was this time as well.
Ten best representatives of ahalteke breed selected at previous rounds from the stables of Ashgabat, Ahal, Balkan, Lebap, Dashoguz and Mary Velayats were brought out to the demonstration podium.
Every horse was introduced to the public its name, age, pedigree information, owner.All horses qualified to the final continue its own pedigree line that goes to the famous ancestors.
Numerous fans of sky horses were able to appreciate beautiful exterior of the descendants of outstanding ahalteke horses who laid the main branches in selection breeding of thoroughbred horses.
The horses demonstrated with the royal grace their exterior and excellent training that deters natural fiery temper conquering with sharp lines and perfect proportions, indeed, thoroughbred horse is true treasury, masterpiece, shining diamond that is cut by the efforts of the best coaches.
There was a time to sum up the results of the contest and announce the decision of competent jury comprised of Turkmen and foreign experts and horse breeders.The members of the jury finally managed to define the most outstanding horse among the ten participating in the final. 4-year old dark sorrel Berkararlyk, the descendant of Bezegdag and Gulyala, owned by private horse breeder Begmyrat Hojaliyev from Ashgabat was chosen as the most beautiful ahalteke horse of 2018.
After, the names of the winners of artistic contest for the best imaging of unique natural charm and beauty in the works of visual, decorative and applied arts have been announced.
The best works were chosen in accordance to the nominations the best carpet, horse decoration, the best sculptural or visual imaging of horse as well as printing products and TV plots.
The main idea of the contest is to show the role of this beautiful and smart creature in life of Turkmen nation.On behalf of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov , the main prizes were awarded to the following winners: carpet artist, People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Ada Gutliyev for the carpet “17 Lines of Ahalteke Horse”, Honoured Art Worker of Turkmenistan, Senior Lecturer of Decorative and Applied Arts Department of the State Arts Academy of Turkmenistan Myrat Sahedov for the set of horse jewelleries; 3rd grade student of Graphics Departmetn of the State Arts Academy of Turkmenistan Gyzygul Hudayberdiyeva for the work “At Start Line”; Director of Artistic Production Association Art Fund of Turkmenistan Amandurdy Jumayev for original sculptural composition; computer operator of the Printing Centre of Turkmen State Publishing Service Annageldy Nuryagdiyev for 2018 Calendar; TV operator of “Turkmensitan: Sport” TV channel of the State Committee for Television, Radio and Cinematography Ovezmyrat Bayliyev for video “Turkmen Racer”.
Music performance of popular singers expressing high pride and happiness felt by Turkmen people in their songs were the final part of the events.Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said warm goodbye to the aprticipants of the celebration and left the place of events.
On the same day, foreign guests participating in National Turkmen Horse Holiday looked around the expositions of the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre and Turkmen Carpet Museum as well as visited other sightseeing of Ashgabat.